Custos Securities

At thirty-eight, Zavier "Cade" McCade has it all: a military career he can be proud of, a successful business, and a close knit group of family and friends. A former Army Special Forces Captain, Cade leaves the military to create Custos Securities, a burgeoning protection agency that provides unparalleled security for both civilians and corporations across the U.S. After a string of disastrous relationships-and a narrow escape from an abusive partner-Braden Cross is finally putting his past to rest. Combining both his passion for baking and his knack for business, Braden owns the Sugar n' Spice Cafe with his best friend who concocts exotic coffees and teas that pair perfectly with his decadent confections. When a stalker sets his sights on Braden, the young pastry chef's world is turned upside down. More frightened than he cares to admit, and not knowing where to turn, Braden is relieved when Cade steps in to offer his protection. Caught up in a maelstrom of threats, break-ins, and vandalism, the two draw closer together. Braden eventually realizes that he can trust Cade with his life, but he finds himself wondering . . . can he trust him with his heart? Contains mature themes.

Zavier "Cade" McCade, former Army Special Forces and creator of Custos Securities, finds himself in a situation he never thought he'd be in-he's fallen in love with Braden Cross, the gorgeous pastry chef he's guarding. Cade has lived his life as a protector: of his country, his family and friends, his clients, and now, the man he's in love with. He thrives in dangerous and stressful situations. But nothing could prepare him for Braden's decision to put himself in danger. After a vicious attack from his stalker leaves Braden fighting for his life, Cade will stop at nothing to see the man responsible punished. Time passes, but Braden's attacker hasn't given up and Cade's afraid he never will. As Cade and the most trusted members of Custos Securities track Braden's assailant, Braden struggles to rebuild his life and re-establish the fragile trust he and Cade had worked so hard to build. Braden knows if he's going to survive the chaos surrounding him, he's going to have to give Cade everything he has-mind, body, and soul. More determined than ever to hunt down the man that nearly killed the love of his life, Cade will do everything in his power to ensure that he and Braden will be able to live the life of their dreams with nothing and no one standing in their way. Meanwhile, hidden just out of their reach, an increasingly deranged stalker watches . . . and waits. Contains mature themes.

Gideon McCade-weighed down by memories of his previous life as a Navy SEAL and a CIA agent-has blood on his hands. He turns to his BDSM club, Catharsis, and Dominating submissives to get him through the daily grind of civilian life. Knowing his past is too much to inflict on a life partner, he keeps his connections brief and superficial. When his former life comes back to haunt him, his desire for revenge pulls him back into the shadows, darkening his hopes for a future in the light. Temporarily sidelining his career as a tattoo artist, Sebastian Phillips works as a composite artist for the local police department. To alleviate the inescapable burden of a congenital medical condition, he immerses himself in his art and seeks the catharsis of submission. But with life weighing heavily on his shoulders and darkness encroaching, he yearns for a contract with a Dominant that sees past the protective barriers he's erected to the vulnerable submissive within. When happenstance brings Gideon and Sebastian together, their connection is undeniable. The knowledge that they are both too damaged to form permanent bonds of love causes them to rely on an impersonal contract to fulfill their physical needs. But staying emotionally detached becomes impossible, and breaking their contract seems the only option. Will Gideon's need for vengeance and Sebastian's declining health destroy what's grown between them, or will they help each other find their way back into the light? Contains mature themes.

Partners in every sense of the word, Sawyer and Jackson have been a unit since they were young teenagers. Growing up together in the same foster home, they learned they could depend only on each other. But when Kyler-a boy barely half their age-arrived heartbroken and scared, the young men took him under their wings, vowing to take care of him and protect him. But then an unimaginable nightmare tears their world apart, separating Sawyer and Jackson from Kyler. Doing their best to keep their vow, even after disaster strikes, Sawyer and Jackson try to ensure Kyler is safe as he grows up without them. Kyler always thought running from his past was his only option, until his past catches up with him in the form of Sawyer and Jackson. He finally realizes, maybe the only way forward is to go back to the past. But in doing so, the three of them find themselves embroiled in a family vendetta that spans decades, threatening to upend their world once again. Will Sawyer and Jackson finally be able to fulfill their promise to keep Kyler safe-while proving they accept and love him for who he is-or will the odds always be stacked against them? Contains mature themes.